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FedEx Archives: 1999 Press Releases

( BW)(TN-FEDERAL-EXPRESS)(FDX) FedEx Opens New European Hub in Paris; The Largest Hub Outside US; And Introduces FedEx EuroOne Network

    Business Editors

    PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 1999--Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) (NYSE:FDX), the world's largest express transportation company, today officially opened its new European hub at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France. The 77,000 square meter facility is the largest FedEx hub outside the US and improves connectivity for FedEx customers, shipping internationally to, from and within Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
    The $200 million CDG hub project was jointly funded over the past three years by FedEx and Aeroports de Paris (ADP). With the opening of the hub, FedEx also announced its FedEx EuroOne network, centered on the newest addition to the FedEx system. The FedEx EuroOne network supports a range of important service improvements, including next business-day deliveries among 38 major European cities, with cut-off and pick-up capabilities as late as 7 p.m.
    As it upgrades services in Europe, FedEx plans to replace its existing fleet of six Boeing 727s in the region with five new wide-bodied Airbus A310s within the next 12 months. This will provide more flexible cargo shipping and increased capacity for heavy-freight shippers.
    Roissy-Charles de Gaulle represents a strategically powerful location for FedEx, being at the heart of one of the most important economic regions in Europe. FedEx has forged strong partnerships with the French government, ADP and customs authorities. FedEx has also established important links with the surrounding Roissy community through a job creation program aiming to generate an estimated 3,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, over the next six years.
    Robert W. Elliott, president of FedEx for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region said, "This is an historic day for FedEx in Europe. The new hub here at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle forms the central point connecting our other gateways in the region - Stansted, Frankfurt, and Dubai - and connecting our region to the global FedEx network. Extensive improvements to both Frankfurt and Dubai gateways are also being announced today.
    "The support we have received from the French government, customs authorities, and ADP has put FedEx in a strong position. The added advantage of FedEx EuroOne means that we can offer European businesses more than ever before. My thanks and congratulations to all our employees, our customers and everyone else who has helped us reach this milestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa."
    Also celebrating the opening of the new FedEx hub, Chief Executive Officer of Aeroports de Paris, Yves Cousquer said, "Having already enjoyed a successful business relationship with FedEx for over a decade, we are delighted to celebrate this important day with everyone here at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle. FedEx is very much a part of our community in Roissy and, together, we look forward to future economic growth and job opportunities. We value the friendship we have with such an important global organization."
    Federal Express, a subsidiary of FDX Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world's gross domestic product in 24-48 hours with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of more than 3.1 million items to 210 countries each working day. FedEx employs more than 148,000 employees and has more than 44,400 drop-off locations, 643 aircraft and 43,500 vehicles in its integrated global network. The company maintains electronic connections with more than 1.9 million customers via FedEx Powership(R), FedEx Ship(R) and FedEx interNetShip(R). Federal Express reported revenues of $14.0 billion for its fiscal year ended May 31, 1999.
    FDX Corp., a $17 billion holding company, provides comprehensive transportation, logistics, e-commerce and supply chain management solutions.
    Its principal operating subsidiaries are Federal Express Corp., the world's largest express transportation company; RPS Inc., North America's second largest business-to-business ground small package carrier; Viking Freight Inc., a less-than-truckload carrier operating principally in the western U.S.; Roberts Express Inc., a critical-shipment carrier; and FDX Logistics Inc., a contract logistics provider.

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     CONTACT:  FedEx Media Relations, Memphis
               901/395-3460

     KEYWORD:  TENNESSEE INTERNATIONAL EUROPE
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD:  TRAVEL/AIRLINES TRANSPORTATION